Phytase

ABSTRACT

Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotide sequences encoding the phytases are provided. The gene expresses the phytase at a level of at least 7 g/l to 40 g/L. The phytases have higher specific activity, retain activity at low pH, retain activity at high temperature, increased phosphorous equivalency, increased phosphorous bioavailability, and increased phosphorous hydrolysis. The phytases can be used in a variety of industries including food, feed, ethanol production, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning.

SEQUENCE LISTING

This application is being filed electronically via the USPTO EFS-WEB server, as authorized and set forth in MPEP § 502.05 and this electronic filing includes an electronically submitted sequence listing; the entire content of this sequence listing is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification of this application. The sequence listing is identified on the electronically filed ASCII (.txt) text file as follows:

File Name Date of Creation Size SEQUENCE_LISTING_VERENO70WO_D2500_2WO.TXT Mar. 5, 2014 19.5 KB

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotide sequences encoding the phytase are provided. In particular, the sequences provide increased levels of expression of a phytase having high specific activity, high thermostability, high thermotolerance, and various industrial uses of the phytase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Specific activity (U/mg) was determined on phytic acid (pH 5.5) with purified protein. Pichia expressed phytases: SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:7), SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2), and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5) and Pseudomonas expressed phytases: SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4).

FIG. 2: DSC chromatogram for phytase SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) in 100 mM Citrate pH 5.5+10% Sorbitol-10% NaCl.

FIG. 3: DSC T_(m) values (° C.) for phytase in 100 mM Citrate pH 5.5 with and without 10% Sorbitol-10% NaCl. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4) are Pseudomonas expressed. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2), SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5), and SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:7) are Pichia expressed.

FIG. 4: pH profile of phytases using Britton-Robinson “universal” buffer on 4 mM phytate. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4) are Pseudomonas expressed. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5) are Pichia expressed.

FIG. 5: SDS-PAGE of phytases treated to SGF+ pepsin. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4) are Pseudomonas expressed. SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2), SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5), and SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:7) are Pichia expressed.

FIG. 6: Activity of thermostable phytases after SGF treatment. Minimal or no loss in activity is observed for thermostable phytases. TO sample was pre-quenched with the pH 11 buffer prior to the addition of the phytase enzyme.

FIG. 7: Pseudomonas (PI) expression levels of phytase fermentation (30 L).

FIG. 8: Shows the gastric stabilities of the invention (SEQ ID NO:3) when compared to an E. coli phytase, modified E. coli phytase, and Fungal phytase known in the art.

FIG. 9: Shows phytase activity at various concentrations of phytic acid of the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3, when compared to an E. coli phytase, modified E. coli phytase, and Fungal phytase known in the art.

FIG. 10: DSC Chromatography of the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 when compared to an E. coli phytase, modified E. coli phytase, and Fungal phytase known in the art.

FIG. 11: Shows time release phytase activity.

FIG. 12: Shows the hydrolysis of anti-nutritive phytase (IP6 and IP5).

FIG. 13: Shows Inositol phosphoester analysis of digesta content of 43 day broilers by HPLC.

FIG. 14: Shows the P equivalency of the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 as compared to phytases known in the art based on a feed conversion ratio.

FIG. 15: Shows the P equivalency of the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 as compared to phytases known in the art based on tibia ash.

FIG. 16: Shows the P equivalency of the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 as compared to phytases known in the art based on weight gain.

DESCRIPTION

Phytase is a phosphoric monoester hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of phytic acid (myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate) to phosphorus and inositol. According to the recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and Bairoch A., “The ENZYME database in 2000,” Nucleic Acids Res 28:304-305(2000), a phytase is classified as Enzyme Commission (EC) number EC 3.1.3.8, and is also referred to as: 1-phytase; myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate 3-phosphohydrolase; phytate 1-phosphatase; phytate 3-phosphatase; or phytate 6-phosphatase. Phytase is also classified as EC 3.1.3.26, which is also referred to as: 4-phytase; 6-phytase (name based on 1L-numbering system and not 1D-numbering); or phytate 6-phosphatase. Phytase is also classified as EC 3.1.3.72, which is also referred to as 5-phytase. Phytase is also referred to as histidine acid phosphatases (HAP); β-propeller phytases; purple acid phosphatase (PAP); and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Alternative names for phytase will be known to those skilled in the art.

Phytase is an example of an enzyme that can have an effect as a supplement in animal feed pellets. Phytase degrades phytic acid into a myo-inositol core and one or more free phosphate molecules. Phytic acid consists of a myo-inositol core to which are covalently attached six phosphate groups. Phytic acid is a constituent of the plant material, such as soy bean seeds, that are used to generate feed pellets for animals such as non-ruminant animals, e.g. poultry, broilers, birds, chickens, layers, turkeys, ducks, geese, and fowl; ruminant animals e.g. cows, cattle, horses, and sheep; pigs, swine, piglets, growing pigs, and sows; companion animals including but not limited to: cats, dogs, rodents, and rabbits; fish including but not limited to salmon, trout, tilapia, catfish and carp; and crustaceans including but not limited to shrimp and prawn. Because these animals are unable to digest phytic acid, phytic acid has a number of detrimental effects. It chelates divalent cations such as Calcium and Magnesium, and its phosphate is in a form that is biologically unavailable to the animals being fed, resulting in a need to supplement the animal diet with these nutrients despite their being abundant in the feedstock. Furthermore, because these nutrients pass through the animal undigested, they are available to decomposers further down the food chain that are able to degrade phytic acid, resulting in, for example, algal blooms in surface waters to which the animal effluent comes into contact.

Non-ruminant animals such as chicken, pigs, and fish are unable to access sufficient phosphorus from food needed for rapid growth, as they do not naturally produce the phytase enzymes necessary to release the phosphorus from the phytic acid found in the food. Only a small amount of phosphorus is utilized from plant-based food and seeds, because the majority of phosphorus is present in the form of the phosphate groups of phytic acid (phytate). Therefore, a need exists to provide phosphorus to animals in order to increase their growth.

One solution is to add inorganic phosphorous supplements to the animal feed; however, the use of inorganic phosphorous supplements leads to an increased amount of phosphate excreted from the animal and into the environment, which leads to contamination of the water supply.

Another solution is to provide phytase supplements to the animal or to add phytase to animal feed. Examples of phytase products available commercially include but are not limited to: PHYZYME (Dupont, Danisco, Genencor); QUANTUM and FINASE (AB Vista, AB Enzymes); NATUPHOS (BASF); RONOZYME (DSM); Biofeed phytase (Novo Nordisk); Allzyme phytase (Alltech); OPTIPHOS (Enzyvia, Phytex, Cornell); Rovabio (Adisseo); PHYTOUT (US Waters). Each of these phytase products has limitations in at least production levels, production time, stability at high temperature, stability at low pH, specific activity, and dosage requirements. Therefore, a need exists for a phytase, for example, a phytase that can be produced with higher yields in less time, a phytase that retains more activity at high temperature, a phytase that retains more activity at low pH, or a phytase with higher specific activity that will enable users to reduce the dosage levels and reduce the cost for producing and providing a phytase for animal feed.

A phytase is a protein that is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence or DNA is cloned into a host organism, which is able to express, or produce, the phytase. There are a variety of protein expression systems known in the art that can be used for production of proteins. Examples of protein expression systems include organisms such as: bacteria, yeasts, molds, mammals, plants, or insects. Various factors influence the selection of an expression system, such as the type of protein that is being expressed and the amount of the protein product produced. Demain, (2009) “Production of Recombinant Proteins by Microbes and higher Organisms,” Biotechnology Advances, volume 27, pp 297-306, discloses various advantages and disadvantages of a variety of protein expression systems.

Phytase is commercially produced extracellulary from a variety of host organisms including but not limited to: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium funiculosum, Phytase canola (Brassica napus), Pichia pastoris, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, see Pariza, “Determining the safety of enzymes used in animal feed,” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 56 (2010) 332-342.

Industrial scale production of a phytase requires an expression system that produces the high levels of enzyme in a short amount of time at a low cost. Therefore, a need exists to provide a gene that meets or exceeds the production requirements for industrial scale manufacturing of a phytase.

An embodiment of the invention is to provide a gene encoding a phytase which is produced at high levels in a gram-negative bacteria expression system. Another embodiment is to provide a gene encoding a phytase which is produced at high levels via intracellular expression. Another embodiment, is to produce a phytase in a gram-negative bacteria expression system, via intracellular expression, wherein the host organism is Pseudomonas. Another embodiment, is to produce a phytase in Pseudomonas fluorescens. The expression system could be any Pseudomonas fluorescens expression system known in the art, for example, the Pseudomonas fluorescens expression system that is commercially available from Dow Global Technologies Inc., strain DC454 (US Patent PUB. APP. NO. 20050130160 and US Patent PUB. APP. NO. 20050186666). A nucleic acid sequence encoding the phytase enzyme or polypeptide is inserted either in the pMYC vector (Dow Global Technologies Inc., US Patent PUB. APP. NO. 20050130160) or in the pDOW1169 vector (Dow Global Technologies Inc., US Patent PUB. APP. NO. 20080058262) and then introduced into the Pseudomonas fluorescens host by electroporation. Those skilled in the art will know alternative vectors that can be used as embodiments of this invention.

In another embodiment, the DNA encoding the phytase may be introduced, either on a plasmid or stably transformed into the genome of, for example, any number of gram negative bacterial systems such as E. coli, Pseudomonas species such as fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ralstonia species, or Caulobacter species. Similarly, the phytase may be introduced into any number of gram positive bacterial expression systems such as Bacillus species such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, or Bacillus brevis Lactococcus species such as Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus species, or Streptomyces species such as Streptomyces lividans. Other gram negative, gram positive or unrelated eubacterial or archaeal expression systems may be used to express the phytase.

In another embodiment, the DNA encoding the phytase may be introduced into a plasmid to direct its expression. Plasmids comprising the DNA encoding the phytase may include, for example, E. coli expression vectors of the families pQE, pET, and pASK; Pseudomonas expression vectors of the families pCN51 LT8, RSF1010, pWZ112T, and pMYC; Bacillus expression vectors of the families pBAX, pHT01, and pHIS1525; Streptomyces expression vectors of the families pIJ6021 and pIJ2460; and Lactococcus: expression vectors of the families pNZ9530 and pNZ8148, for example. These examples are for demonstrative purposes and do not represent a complete set of vectors in which the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 can be expressed.

In another embodiment, an isolated, recombinant, or synthetic nucleic acid sequence encoding a phytase is produced via intracellular expression at a level of at least 7.0 g/L, 8.0 g/L, 9.0 g/L, 10.0 g/L, 11.0 g/L, 12.0 g/L, 13.0 g/L, 14.0 g/L, 15.0 g/L, 16.0 g/L, 17.0 g/L, 18.0 g/L, 19.0 g/L, 20.0 g/L, 21.0 g/L, 22.0 g/L, 23.0 g/L, 24.0 g/L, 25.0, g/L, 26.0 g/L, 27.0 g/L, 28.0 g/L, 29.0 g/L, 30.0 g/L, 31.0 g/L, 32.0 g/L, 33.0 g/L, 34.0 g/L, 35.0 g/L, 36.0 g/L, 37.0 g/L, 38.0 g/L, 39.0 g/L, or at least 40.0 g/L or more than 40.0 g/L.

In another embodiment, the fermentation production time of the phytase is less than 150 hours, 145 hours, 140 hours, 135 hours, 130 hours, 125 hours, 120 hours, 115 hours, 110 hours, 105 hours, 100 hours, 95 hours, 90 hours, 85 hours, 80 hours, 75 hours, 70 hours, 65 hours, 60 hours, 55 hours, 50 hours, 49 hours, 48 hours, 47 hours, 46 hours, 45 hours, 44 hours, 43 hours, 42 hours, 41 hours, 40 hours, 39 hours, 38 hours, 37 hours, 36 hours, 35 hours, 34 hours, 33 hours, 32 hours, 31 hours, 30 hours, 29 hours, 28 hours, 27 hours, 26 hours, 25 hours, 24 hours, 23 hours, 22 hours, 21 hours, 20 hours or less than 20 hours.

In another embodiment, fermentation is performed at a volume of at or above 10 L, 100 L, 200 L, 500 L, 1000 L, 2000 L, 5000 L, 10,000 L, 25,000 L, 50,000 L, 55,000 L, 60,000 L, 65,000 L, 70,000 L, 75,000 L, 80,000 L, 85,000 L, 90,000 L, 95,000 L, 100,000 L, 110,000 L, 120,000 L, 130,000 L, 140,000 L, 150,000 L, 160,000 L, 170,000 L, 180,000 L, 190,000 L, 200,000 g/L or more than 200,000 L.

In one embodiment, the intracellular expression system is a gram-negative bacteria. In another embodiment, the gram-negative bacteria is a Pseudomonas. In another embodiment, the Pseudomonas is a Pseudomonas fluorescens.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide having phytase activity is produced at about 35.0 g/L. In another embodiment the polypeptide having phytase activity is produced at more than 7.0 g/L. In another embodiment the phytase will be expressed in less than 144 hours. In another embodiment, the phytase will be produced in less than 84 hours, 74 hours, 64 hours, 54 hours, 44 hours, 34 hours, or 24 hours.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid encoding the phytase produced by intracellular expression is derived from or is a modified version of a nucleic acid derived from E. coli, a Bacillus sp., a Hafnia sp., Perni ophora lycii, a Buttiauxella sp., a Citrobacter sp., or Aspergillus niger. In another embodiment, the phytase is any phytase disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 1999/008539, WO 2000/071728, WO 2001/090333, WO 2002/095003, WO 2006/028684, WO 2008/036916, or WO 2010/135588.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid is an isolated, synthetic, or recombinant nucleic acid. In another embodiment, the isolated, recombinant, or synthetic nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide having phytase activity. In another embodiment the nucleic acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of: a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:7

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having phytase activity is a variant of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, or SEQ ID NO:7 wherein the variant is at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or completely (100%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and/or SEQ ID NO:7, or a fragment thereof, wherein the variant encodes a polypeptide having phytase activity.

In another embodiment, the isolated, synthetic, or recombinant nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide selected from a group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:1 encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:2, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:2 encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:4, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:4 encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:5, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:5 encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:7, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:7 encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:8.

In one embodiment, a nucleic sequence is complementary to the full length sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7, or a variant thereof.

In one embodiment, the phytase is an isolated, recombinant, or synthetic polypeptide having phytase activity, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8.

In another embodiment, the phytase is a variant of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8, wherein the variant is at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or completely (100%) identical to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8, or an enzymatically active fragment thereof, wherein the variant has phytase activity. In another embodiment, the phytase is an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and/or SEQ ID NO:7.

In one embodiment, the phytase is an amino acid sequence lacking a signal sequence, a proprotein sequence, a promoter sequence, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the phytase is an amino acid sequence further comprising a heterologous sequence selected from the group consisting of: a signal sequence, a tag, an epitope, a mating factor, a regulatory sequence, a promoter sequence, an N-terminal extension, a C-terminal extension, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the phytase has a specific activity at any value in a range from about 1000 U/mg to about 1,600 U/mg. In another embodiment the phytase has a specific activity of 1000 U/mg, 1100 U/mg, 1200 U/mg, 1300 U/mg, 1400 U/mg, 1500 U/mg, or 1600 U/mg.

In one embodiment, the phytase is active at any pH ranging from about pH 1.0 to about pH 9.0. In one embodiment, the phytase is active at a pH of: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or more alkaline conditions.

In one embodiment, the phytase is active at any temperature in a range from about 50 degrees C. to about 100 degrees C. In another embodiment, the phytase is active at a temperature in the range from greater than 37° C. to about 95° C., or between about 55° C. to about 85° C., or between about 70° C. to about 75° C., or between about 70° C. to about 95° C., between about 90° C. to about 95° C., between about 95° C. to about 105° C., or between about 95° C. to about 110° C.

In one embodiment, a phytase of the invention is included in a composition. In another embodiment, the composition is a formulation. In another embodiment, the composition is a food, a feed, a supplement, an animal feed additive, or a dietary aid comprising the phytase. In another embodiment, the composition is a pharmaceutical comprising the phytase.

“Cloning,” as used herein is a process for creating copies of DNA fragments, cells, or organisms, wherein the DNA is introduced into a host organism that produces copies of the recombinant DNA.

“Cloning vector,” as used herein is a carrier, such as a bacterial plasmid or bacteriophage, used to insert a genetic sequence, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragment or a complete gene, into a host cell such that the foreign genetic material is capable of being replicated.

“Cocktail” as used herein is a composition comprising the phytase of this invention in combination with one or more additional enzymes. The one or more additional enzymes can be any enzyme, for example, a lactase, a lipase, a protease, a catalase, a xylanase, a cellulase, a glucanase, a mannanase, an amylase, an amidase, an epoxide hydrolase, an esterase, a phospholipase, a transaminase, an amine oxidase, a cellobiohydrolase, an ammonia lyase, or any combination thereof.

A “codon” is a three polynucleotide sequence that specifies the identity of an amino acid to be added to a protein.

“Complementary DNA or cDNA,” as used herein is DNA synthesized from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme reverse transcriptase and the enzyme DNA polymerase.

“Culturing,” as used herein includes use of a conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for activating promoters, selecting transformants or amplifying genes in host cells containing the polynucleotides that encode a phytase. The culture conditions, such as temperature, pH and the like, are those used with the host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

“Host cell,” as used herein is a transformed cell comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a phytase, or comprising an expression cassette, vector, cloning vehicle, expression vector, or cloning vector of the invention. The host cell may be any of the host cells familiar to those skilled in the art, including prokaryotic cells or eukaryotic cells, such as bacterial cells, fungal cells, yeast cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, or plant cells. The selection of an appropriate host is within the abilities of those skilled in the art.

Host cells can be used in a conventional manner to produce the gene product encoded by the recombinant sequence. Depending upon the host employed in a recombinant production procedure, the polypeptides produced by the host cells may be glycosylated or may be non-glycosylated. Polypeptides of the invention may or may not also include an initial methionine amino acid residue.

“Identical,” as used herein is the extent of sequence identity (homology), which may be determined using any computer program and associated parameters known in the art, such as BLAST 2.2.2. or FASTA version 3.0t78, with the default parameters.

Protein and/or nucleic acid sequence identities (homologies) may be evaluated using any of the variety of sequence comparison algorithms and programs known in the art. Such algorithms and programs include, but are not limited to a BLAST program (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool at the National Center for Biological Information, such as BLAST, BLAST2, BLASTN and BLASTX), TBLASTN, BLASTP, FASTA, TFASTA, and CLUSTALW (Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85(8):2444-2448, 1988; Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215(3):403-410, 1990; Thompson et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 22(2):4673-4680, 1994; Higgins et al., Methods Enzymol. 266:383-402, 1996; Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215(3):403-410, 1990; Altschul et al., Nature Genetics 3:266-272, 1993. BLAST, BLAST 2.0 and BLAST 2.2.2 algorithms are also used to practice the invention. They are described, e.g., in Altschul (1977) Nuc. Acids Res. 25:3389-3402; Altschul (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410. Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The terms “homology” and “identity” in the context of two or more nucleic acids or polypeptide sequences, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides that are the same when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence over a comparison window or designated region as measured using any number of sequence comparison algorithms or by manual alignment and visual inspection. For sequence comparison, one sequence can act as a reference sequence (an exemplary sequence of the invention) to which test sequences are compared. When using a sequence comparison algorithm, test and reference sequences are entered into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated, if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. Default program parameters can be used, or alternative parameters can be designated. The sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identities for the test sequences relative to the reference sequence, based on the program parameters.

“Nucleic acid,” as used herein refers to an oligonucleotide, nucleotide, polynucleotide, or to a nucleic acid fragment of any of these. The nucleic acid can be genomic DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA or RNA (e.g., mRNA, rRNA, tRNA) of genomic or synthetic origin which may be single-stranded or double-stranded and may represent a sense or antisense strand, to peptide nucleic acid (PNA), or to any DNA-like or RNA-like material, natural or synthetic in origin, including, e.g., iRNA, ribonucleoproteins (e.g., iRNPs). The term encompasses nucleic acids, i.e., oligonucleotides, containing known analogues of natural nucleotides. The term also encompasses nucleic-acid-like structures with synthetic backbones, see e.g., Mata (1997) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 144:189-197; Strauss-Soukup (1997) Biochemistry 36:8692-8698; Samstag (1996) Antisense Nucleic Acid Drug Dev 6:153-156.

The nucleic acids used to practice this invention, whether RNA, iRNA, antisense nucleic acid, cDNA, genomic DNA, vectors, viruses or hybrids thereof, may be isolated from a variety of sources, genetically engineered, amplified, and/or expressed/generated recombinantly. Recombinant polypeptides generated from these nucleic acids can be individually isolated or cloned and tested for a desired activity. In one embodiment, the nucleic acids can be in a recombinant expression system, including bacterial, mammalian, yeast, insect, or plant cell expression systems.

Techniques for the manipulation of nucleic acids, such as, e.g., subcloning, labeling probes (e.g., random-primer labeling using Klenow polymerase, nick translation, amplification), sequencing, hybridization and the like are well described in the scientific and patent literature, see, e.g., Sambrook, ed., MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL (2ND ED.), Vols. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, (1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Ausubel, ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1997); LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: HYBRIDIZATION WITH NUCLEIC ACID PROBES, Part I. Theory and Nucleic Acid Preparation, Tijssen, ed. Elsevier, N.Y. (1993).

The invention provides nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequences of the invention operatively linked to expression (e.g., transcriptional or translational) control sequence(s), e.g., promoters or enhancers, to direct or modulate RNA synthesis/expression. The expression control sequence can be in an expression vector.

The invention provides expression systems, e.g., expression cassettes, vectors, cloning vehicles and the like, comprising nucleic acids of the invention, e.g., sequences encoding the phytases of the invention, for expression, and over-expression, of the polypeptides of the invention.

Optimized expression of nucleic acid sequences of the invention also refers to directed or random mutagenesis of a nucleic acid to effect increased expression of the encoded protein. The mutagenesis of the nucleic acids of the invention can directly or indirectly provide for an increased yield of expressed protein. By way of non-limiting example, mutagenesis techniques described herein may be utilized to effect mutation of the 5′ untranslated region, 3′ untranslated region, or coding region of a nucleic acid, the mutation of which can result in increased stability at the RNA or protein level, thereby resulting in an increased yield of protein.

In some embodiments, the mutations to be made in a protein of interest are determined by various factors including analysis of the two dimensional and three dimensional structure of the 5 prime end of the predicted mRNA structure of an open reading frame (ORF) or gene of interest, as well as the preferred codons of the host, to select mutations which may enhance the expression of the protein of interest. For example, in some embodiments, the mutations are not selected solely on the basis of the preferred codons of the host, that is, codon optimization, nor a codon optimization program.

A “mutation” is a change in a nucleotide sequence or an amino acid compared to a reference.

A “silent mutation” is a mutation in a codon that does not result in the specification of a different amino acid.

A “nucleotide” refers to one of the four bases which comprise DNA sequence—Adenine (A), Thymidine (T), Guanidine (G), and Cytosine (C).

In one aspect, the expression cassettes of the invention comprise a sequence of the invention and a nucleotide sequence which is capable of affecting expression of a structural gene (i.e., a protein coding sequence, such as a phytase of the invention) in a host compatible with such sequences. Expression cassettes include at least a promoter operably linked with the polypeptide coding sequence; and, optionally, with other sequences, e.g., transcription termination signals. Additional factors necessary or helpful in effecting expression may also be used, e.g., enhancers.

Large numbers of suitable vectors are known to those of skill in the art, and are commercially available. Exemplary vectors include: bacterial: pQE vectors (Qiagen), pBluescript plasmids, pNH vectors, (lambda-ZAP vectors (Stratagene); ptrc99a, pKK223-3, pDR540, pRIT2T (Pharmacia); Eukaryotic: pXT1, pSG5 (Stratagene), pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, pSVLSV40 (Pharmacia). However, any other plasmid or other vector may be used so long as they are replicable and viable in the host. Where a recombinant microorganism or cell culture is described as hosting an “expression vector” this includes both extra-chromosomal circular and linear DNA and DNA that has been incorporated into the host chromosome(s). Where a vector is being maintained by a host cell, the vector may either be stably replicated by the cells during mitosis.

The expression vector may comprise a promoter, a ribosome binding site for translation initiation and a transcription terminator. The vector may also include appropriate sequences for amplifying expression.

The invention provides amplification primer sequence pairs for amplifying nucleic acids encoding polypeptides with a phytase activity, or subsequences thereof. One of skill in the art can design amplification primer sequence pairs for any part of or the full length of these sequences. Amplification methods are also well known in the art, and include, e.g., polymerase chain reaction, PCR; transcription amplification; self-sustained sequence replication; Q Beta replicase amplification; and other RNA polymerase mediated techniques.

“Polypeptide,” as used herein comprises “amino acids” or “amino acid sequences” that are oligopeptides, peptides, polypeptides or protein sequences, or alternatively, are fragments, portions or subunits of any of these, and to naturally occurring or synthetic molecules.

In one aspect, polypeptide and peptides of the invention have phytase activity. In alternative aspects, they also can be useful as, e.g., labeling probes, antigens, toleragens, motifs, phytase active sites.

Polypeptides and peptides of the invention can be isolated, synthetic, or recombinant. Peptides and proteins can be recombinantly expressed in vitro or in vivo. The peptides and polypeptides of the invention can be made and isolated using any method known in the art. Polypeptides and peptides of the invention can also be synthesized, in whole or in part, using chemical methods well known in the art. For example, phytase polypeptides can be produced in a standard recombinant expression system (as described herein), chemically synthesized, or purified from organisms in which they are naturally expressed.

In alternative aspects, “recombinant” polypeptides or proteins of the invention include (refer to) polypeptides or proteins produced by recombinant DNA techniques; e.g., produced from cells transformed by an exogenous DNA construct encoding the desired polypeptide or protein.

In alternative aspects, peptides and polypeptides of the invention are glycosylated. The glycosylation can be added post-translationally either chemically or by cellular biosynthetic mechanisms, wherein the later incorporates the use of known glycosylation motifs, which can be native to the sequence or can be added as a peptide or added in the nucleic acid coding sequence. The glycosylation can be O-linked or N-linked, or, a combination thereof.

In alternative aspects, peptides and polypeptides of the invention, as defined above, comprise “mimetic” and “peptidomimetic” forms, either in part or completely. In one aspect, the terms “mimetic” and “peptidomimetic” refer to a synthetic chemical compound which has substantially the same structural and/or functional characteristics of the polypeptides of the invention. The mimetic can be either entirely composed of synthetic, non-natural analogues of amino acids, or, is a chimeric molecule of partly natural peptide amino acids and partly non-natural analogs of amino acids. The mimetic can also incorporate any amount of natural amino acid conservative substitutions as long as such substitutions also do not substantially alter the mimetic's structure and/or activity. As with polypeptides of the invention which are conservative variants, routine experimentation will determine whether a mimetic is within the scope of the invention, i.e., that its structure and/or function is not substantially altered. Thus, in one aspect, a mimetic composition is within the scope of the invention if it has a phytase activity.

In alternative aspects, conservative substitutions are those that substitute a given amino acid in a polypeptide by another amino acid of like characteristics. In alternative aspects, conservative substitutions are the following replacements: replacements of an aliphatic amino acid such as Ala, Val, Leu and Ile with another aliphatic amino acid; replacement of a Ser with a Thr or vice versa; replacement of an acidic residue such as Asp and Glu with another acidic residue; replacement of a residue bearing an amide group, such as Asn and Gln, with another residue bearing an amide group; exchange of a basic residue such as Lys and Arg with another basic residue; and replacement of an aromatic residue such as Phe, Tyr with another aromatic residue. substitution of one hydrophobic amino acid, such as isoleucine, valine, leucine, or methionine, for another, or substitution of one polar amino acid for another, such as substitution of arginine for lysine, glutamic acid for aspartic acid or glutamine for asparagine. In one aspect, one or more amino acids can be deleted, for example, from a phytase polypeptide of the invention to result in modification of the structure of the polypeptide without significantly altering its biological activity, or alternative, to purposely significantly alter its biological activity. For example, amino- or carboxyl-terminal amino acids that are required, or alternatively are not required, for phytase biological activity can be removed and/or added. Modified polypeptide sequences of the invention can be assayed for phytase biological activity by any number of methods, including contacting the modified polypeptide sequence with a phytase substrate and determining whether the modified polypeptide decreases the amount of specific substrate in the assay or increases the bioproducts of the enzymatic reaction of a functional phytase polypeptide with the substrate.

In one aspect, peptides and polypeptides of the invention have sequences “substantially identical” amino acid sequences of the invention, i.e., a sequence that differs by one or more conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions, particularly when such a substitution occurs at a site that is not the active site of the molecule, and provided that the polypeptide essentially retains its functional properties.

In one embodiment, the phytase is selected from a group consisting of: a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2); a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5); and a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:7).

In another embodiment, the phytase is a polypeptide variant of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8, wherein the polypeptide variant has an amino acid sequence having at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98.0%, 98.1%, 98.2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or complete (100%) identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8, or an enzymatically active fragment thereof, wherein the polypeptide variant has phytase activity.

The invention provides phytases having no or modified signal sequences (also called signal peptides (SPs), or leader peptides), or heterologous signal sequences. The polypeptides of the invention also can have no or modified or heterologous prepro domains and/or catalytic domains (CDs). The modified or heterologous SPs, prepro domains and/or CDs incorporated in a polypeptide the invention can be part of a fusion protein, e.g., as a heterologous domain in a chimeric protein, or added by a chemical linking agent. For example, an enzyme of the invention can comprise a heterologous SP and/or prepro domain in a vector, e.g., a pPIC series vector (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.).

Additionally, polypeptides of the invention can further comprise heterologous sequences, either sequences from other phytases, or from non-phytase sources, or entirely synthetic sequences. Thus, in one aspect, a nucleic acid of the invention comprises coding sequence for an endogenous, modified or heterologous signal sequence (SP), prepro domain and/or catalytic domain (CD) and a heterologous sequence (i.e., a sequence not naturally associated with the a signal sequence (SP), prepro domain and/or catalytic domain (CD) of the invention). The heterologous sequence can be on the 3′ terminal end, 5′ terminal end, and/or on both ends of the SP, prepro domain and/or CD coding sequence.

Immobilized enzyme and solid supports of the invention are the phytase enzymes, or fragments thereof and nucleic acids that encode the enzymes and fragments can be affixed to a solid support. This is often economical and efficient in the use of the phytases in industrial processes. For example, a consortium or cocktail of phytase enzymes (or active fragments thereof), which are used in a specific chemical reaction, can be attached to a solid support and dunked into a process vat. The enzymatic reaction can occur. Then, the solid support can be taken out of the vat, along with the enzymes affixed thereto, for repeated use. In one embodiment of the invention, an isolated nucleic acid of the invention is affixed to a solid support. In another embodiment of the invention, the solid support is selected from the group of a gel, a resin, a polymer, a ceramic, a glass, a microelectrode, and/or any combination thereof.

There are many methods that would be known to one of skill in the art for immobilizing enzymes or fragments thereof, or nucleic acids, onto a solid support. Some examples of such methods include, e.g., electrostatic droplet generation, electrochemical means, via adsorption, via covalent binding, via cross-linking, via a chemical reaction or process, via encapsulation, via entrapment, via calcium alginate, or via poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Like methods are described in Methods in Enzymology, Immobilized Enzymes and Cells, Part C. 1987. Academic Press. Edited by S. P. Colowick and N. O. Kaplan. Volume 136; and Immobilization of Enzymes and Cells. 1997. Humana Press. Edited by G. F. Bickerstaff. Series: Methods in Biotechnology, Edited by J. M. Walker.

“Variant,” as used herein includes derivatives or analogs of these polypeptides. In particular, the variants may differ in amino acid sequence from the polypeptides of the invention, and sequences substantially identical thereto, by one or more substitutions, additions, deletions, fusions, and truncations, which may be present in any combination.

Methods of generating variants of the nucleic acids of the invention, e.g., those encoding a phytase enzyme are well known in the art. These methods can be repeated or used in various combinations to generate phytase enzymes having an altered or different activity or an altered or different stability from that of a phytase encoded by the template nucleic acid. These methods also can be repeated or used in various combinations, e.g., to generate variations in gene/message expression, message translation or message stability. In another aspect, the genetic composition of a cell is altered by, e.g., modification of a homologous gene ex vivo, followed by its reinsertion into the cell.

The invention also provides methods for changing the characteristics of a phytase of the invention by mutagenesis and other methods, including, e.g., the proprietary approaches developed by Verenium Corporation (previously Diversa Corporation, San Diego, Calif.), e.g., GeneReassembly (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,776; Gene Site Saturation Mutagenesis (GSSM) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,171,820 and 6,764,835), Exonuclease-Mediated Gene Assembly in Directed Evolution (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,361,974 and 6,352,842), End Selection in Directed Evolution (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,709 and 6,238,884), Recombination-Based Synthesis Shuffling (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,965,408 and 6,440,668, and Australian Patent No. AU724521), Directed Evolution of Thermophilic Enzymes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,830,696 and 6,335,179), and Tailored Multi-site combinatorial assembly (see, e.g., WO 2009/018449).

Various techniques known in molecular biology can be used, e.g., random PCR mutagenesis, see, e.g., Rice (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5467-5471; or, combinatorial multiple cassette mutagenesis, see, e.g., Crameri (1995) Biotechniques 18:194-196. Alternatively, nucleic acids, e.g., genes, can be reassembled after random, or “stochastic,” fragmentation, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,291,242; 6,287,862; 6,287,861; 5,955,358; 5,830,721; 5,824,514; 5,811,238; 5,605,793. In alternative aspects, modifications, additions or deletions are introduced by error-prone PCR, shuffling, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, assembly PCR, sexual PCR mutagenesis, in vivo mutagenesis, cassette mutagenesis, recursive ensemble mutagenesis, exponential ensemble mutagenesis, site-specific mutagenesis, gene reassembly, gene site saturation mutagenesis (GSSM), synthetic ligation reassembly (SLR), recombination, recursive sequence recombination, phosphothioate-modified DNA mutagenesis, uracil-containing template mutagenesis, gapped duplex mutagenesis, point mismatch repair mutagenesis, repair-deficient host strain mutagenesis, chemical mutagenesis, radiogenic mutagenesis, deletion mutagenesis, restriction-selection mutagenesis, restriction-purification mutagenesis, artificial gene synthesis, ensemble mutagenesis, chimeric nucleic acid multimer creation, and/or a combination of these and other methods.

“Transgenic Plants and Seeds” as used herein comprise a nucleic acid, a polypeptide, an expression cassette, cloning mechanism or vector of the invention, or a transfected or transformed cell of the invention. The invention also provides plant products, e.g., oils, seeds, leaves, extracts and the like, comprising a nucleic acid and/or a polypeptide of the invention. The transgenic plant can be dicotyledonous (a dicot) or monocotyledonous (a monocot). The invention also provides methods of making and using these transgenic plants and seeds. The transgenic plant or plant cell expressing a polypeptide of the present invention may be constructed in accordance with any method known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,872.

In some embodiments, to achieve extracellular expression of the phytase, the expression construct of the present invention utilizes a secretory signal sequence. Although signal sequences which are homologous (native) to the plant host species, heterologous signal sequences, i.e. those originating from other plant species or of microbial origin, may be used as well, such signal sequences are known to those skilled in the art. Appropriate signal sequences which may be used within the context of the present invention are disclosed in Blobel et al., 1979; Von Heijne, 1986; Garcia et al., 1987; Sijmons et al., 1990; Ng et al., 1994; and Powers et al., 1996).

“Transgenic non-human animals” as used herein are a nucleic acid, a polypeptide, an expression cassette or vector or a transfected or transformed cell of the invention. The transgenic non-human animals can be, e.g., goats, rabbits, sheep, pigs, cows, rats and mice, comprising the nucleic acids of the invention. These animals can be used, e.g., as in vivo models to study phytase activity, or, as models to screen for modulators of phytase activity in vivo. The coding sequences for the polypeptides to be expressed in the transgenic non-human animals can be designed to be constitutive, or, under the control of tissue-specific, developmental-specific or inducible transcriptional regulatory factors. Transgenic non-human animals can be designed and generated using any method known in the art.

In one embodiment, a phytase of the invention is used as an additive for animal feed. Some of the benefits of adding phytase include but are not limited to: increasing the total phosphorus contained in feed, reducing phosphorus released into environment via excretion, and increasing digestibility of other minerals and amino acids. In another embodiment, the phytase of the invention has high in vivo activity when compared to phytases known in the art. In another embodiment, the phytase activity is high at low substrate concentration (low Km). In another embodiment, the phytase has intrinsic thermostability and pelleting stability without the use of a coating. In another embodiment, the phytase has rapid activation in the gut and is release more quickly. In another embodiment, the phytase has reduced IP6 and IP5 anti-nutritive activity.

In another embodiment, an animal feed or a supplement comprising a phytase of the invention can be given to any animal. Phytase is commonly included in animal feed for poultry such as chickens, broilers, or laying hens; turkeys; ducks; swine such as pigs, piglets, or sows; bovine such as cattle; and aquaculture feeds for fish such as trout, salmon, tilapia, catfish, and bass.

In another embodiment, an animal feed comprising a Phytase of the invention can be provided to an animal in any formulation known to those skilled in the art. Examples of animal feed formulations include, but are not limited to: a delivery matrix, a pellet, a tablet, a gel, a liquid, a spray, ground grain, or a powder.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention is used to treat individuals predisposed to bone loss such as osteoporosis, cachexia, and medical treatments, such as chemotherapies, that can compromise the proper uptake or utilization of nutrients. One aspect of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical or dietary formulation comprising a phytase. It is also common in the art to use a phytase of this invention for individuals undergoing athletic training, intense physical training, hospital diets, micronutrient-poor cereal and legume diets, school lunch programs or any other nutritional program.

In one embodiment, a phytase of the invention is used in the industrial production of biofuels and biomass conversion. For example, phytase is used in fermentation or alcohol production processes. In one embodiment, the alcohol is ethanol, which may be for fuel use or is potable ethanol. In one embodiment, the fermentation process may utilize starch or a non-starch plant material, such as a lignocellulosic material, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and/or lignin.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention is used to treat distillers dried soluble (DDS); distillers dried grains (DDG); condensed distillers soluble (CDS); distillers wet grains (DWG); and distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS). These byproducts of the alcohol fermentation process can be used as an ingredient for animal feed. In another embodiment, the phytase is used to reduce scaling, and increase ethanol yield.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention is used to convert algae, virgin vegetable oils, waste vegetable oils, sewage into fuel.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention will have increased phosphorous equivalency when compared to a fungal, E. coli, or a modified E. coli phytase.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention has a phosphorous equivalency in a range from 0.11 to 0.23%.

In another embodiment, a phytase comprises having increased phosphorous bioavailability when compared to a fungal, E. coli, or modified E. coli phytase.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention has at least 60 to 65% more phosphorous bioavailability when compared to a fungal or E. coli phytase.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention has least 20 to 30% more phosphorous bioavailability when compared to a modified E. coli phytase.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention capable of increased phosphorous hydrolysis when compared to a fungal, E. coli, or modified E. coli phytase.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention hydrolyzes up to 90% of phosphorous from a feed comprising phytic acid.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention capable of hydrolyzing up to 90% of phosphorous from a feed comprising phytic acid.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention is having at least 100% activity for more than 5 minutes at low pH. In another embodiment, the pH is 1.2 to about pH 5.5 In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention having improved activity at phytic acid concentrations form 0.2 mM to 5.1 mM of phytic acid.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention having a melting temperature greater than about 90 degrees C.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention having at least 90% activity at 2.5 minutes.

In another embodiment, a phytase of the invention that hydrolyzes anti-nutritive phytase IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, and IP6 from a range of about 91% to about 98%.

In some embodiments, the phytases disclosed herein comprise phytases disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/777,139, filed Mar. 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Phytase Specific Activity

Specific activity was determined (as described below) for phytases expressed in Pseudomonas and in Pichia. The specific activities of the phytase molecules were not impacted by expression in the two analyzed expression systems (see FIG. 1). The Pichia cells were removed from the fermentation broth by centrifugation and the supernatant was DNAse treated and buffer exchanged with 100 mM TRIS, pH 8.0. Pseudomonas cells expressing phytase were lysed using a microfluidizer and centrifuged. The supernatant was DNAse treated and buffer exchanged with 100 mM Tris pH 8.0. The samples were then loaded onto an ion exchange column (FPLC) and fractions were collected. Eluted fractions were tested for activity and run on an SDS-PAGE; pure fractions were pooled.

Protein concentration was determined via spectrophotometry (absorbance at 280 nm). The specific protein absorption coefficient (280 nm) was determined using the peptide based software calculator, VECTOR NTI (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). The 280 nm coefficient for the phytase molecules based on the peptide sequence was determined to be OD₂₈₀ 1.0=0.875 mg/mL (SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4), SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5), SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2) and 0.897 mg/mL (SEQ ID NO:8, encoded by SEQ ID NO:7). DNA was determined to be below measurable values based on absorbance ratios (260/280 nm).

Phytase specific activity was determined using a colorimetric assay which detects free phosphate from the dephosphorylation of phytic acid. An aliquot of 50 μL of purified phytase was added to preheated (37° C.) 950 μL substrate mix (4 mM dodecasodium phytate 100 mM Na-acetate pH 5.5). Aliquots of 50 uL were withdrawn every minute and quenched in 50 μL color/stop solution (Molybdate-Vanadate). After 10 minutes, when the yellow color had completely developed, a SpectraMax Plus absorbance reader was used to measure OD₄₁₅. Activity was determined by the calculations illustrated bellow.

${Activity} = {\frac{{slope}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {reaction}\mspace{14mu} {{curve}\left( {A_{415\mspace{14mu} {nm}}\min^{- 1}} \right)} \times {dilution}\mspace{14mu} {factor} \times 20}{{slope}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Phosphate}\mspace{14mu} {std}\mspace{14mu} {curve}\mspace{14mu} \left( {A_{415\mspace{14mu} {nm}}\mu \; {{mol}/{mL}}\mspace{14mu} {Phosphate}} \right)} = {\frac{{\mu mol}\mspace{14mu} {Phosphate}}{\min*{mL}} = {{Units}/{mL}}}}$ ${{Specific}\mspace{14mu} {Activity}} = \frac{{Units}/{mL}}{{Phytase}\mspace{14mu} {{mg}/{mL}}}$

One unit is defined as the # μmoles of phosphate released per minute by the enzyme

Example 2: Phytase Activity at High Temperature (DSC Tm)

To determine the thermostability of the phytases a Perkin-Elmer Pyris 1 Differential Scanning calorimeter (DSC) was employed to determine melting temperatures (T_(m)) of the phytase variants. The T_(m) analysis was performed at pH 5.5 (similar to an aqueous feed extract) using 100 mM Citrate as buffer. DSC runs were run with or without 10% Sorbitol-10% NaCl. DSC analysis indicates that 10% Sorbitol-10% NaCl improved the thermostability of the phytases. In liquid form, T_(m) greater than 98° C. can be achieved (FIG. 2). Pseudomonas-expressed phytases showed ˜1-2° C. lower T_(m) than the Pichia-expressed phytases in buffer alone, however this temperature reduction was not observed when 10% Sorbitol-10% NaCl was added (FIG. 3).

Example 3: pH Profile

The pH optimums of the phytases, when expressed in Pichia or Pseudomonas (FIG. 4), were determined to be pH 3.5-pH 4.5. Activity of the phytases on the phytic substrate at different pH points were determined using the Britton-Robinson buffer in order to remove confounding variables which result from switching buffers to cover the tested range of pH 1.0-pH 5.5. The activities at different pHs were normalized to the pH optimum of 4.

Example 4: Phytase Activity at Low pH (Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF)) Conditions, and pH Profiles

Gastric stability was assessed by treating the phytase molecules in a simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at pH 1.2 over a time course of 60 minutes. Pepsin was added to the SGF at 10 pepsin units per μg phytase. At 10, 30 and 60 minutes, aliquots of the SGF-phytase mixture were removed and quenched in 200 mM Na-Carbonate buffer pH 11.0. Samples were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE to determine the extent of protein digestion. The SDS-PAGE (FIG. 5) results demonstrated that the phytase band for SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:7) molecule degrades within 10 minutes SGF+ pepsin treatment. The other phytase molecules expressed in Pichia (SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5)) and Pseudomonas (SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4)) show minimal degradation after 60 minutes.

Based on previous reports, the E. coli wt appA phytase demonstrated an SGF half life of 2.4 minutes (Garrett et al, 2004). The phytase of SEQ ID NO:8 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:7) has practically no activity after 10 minutes and the other phytases (SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2), SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5), (SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1), and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4) maintain an intact protein (FIG. 5) and activity after 60 minutes (FIG. 6).

Example 5: Phytase Expression

Pichia expression system utilizes the Pichia pastoris GS115 strain and methanol inducible promoter (AOX) licensed from RCT. Phytase is secreted into the fermentation broth. The phytase of SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:2) expressed in Pichia was tested in 30 L fermenters and achieved 7.0 g/L after 120 hrs. The fermentation results of phytase SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:5) were less than 7.0 g/L.

Pseudomonas expression system from DOW utilizes strain (DC454) with the phytase sequence inserted to the pDOW1169 (inducible by IPTG). Phytase is expressed intracellular and therefore requires cell lysis for phytase recovery (See FIG. 7). The results, in triplicate, for intracellular phytase (SEQ ID NO:3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:1) and SEQ ID NO:6 (encoded by SEQ ID NO:4)) expression in Pseudomonas range from about 5 g/L to about 35.0 g/L.

Example 6: Phytase Gastric Stabilities

Phytases were tested under Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) conditions according to U.S. Pharmacopeia. 2000. Simulated gastric fluid, TS. National Formulary no. 24/19, 2235. National Publishing, Philadelphia, Pa. using 10 U pepsin/mg protein, pH 1.5 and a modified AOAC (kinetic) Activity Assay using 4 mM phytic acid, pH 5.5. The results in FIG. 8 and the table listed under this example, show that the phytase of the invention retains at least about 96% phytase activity for more than 5 minutes under simulated gastric fluid conditions. In addition, the results show that the phytase of the invention retains at least about 96% phytase activity for at least 30 minutes. On the other hand, the E. coli phytase (ECP), modified E. coli phytase (ModECP), and Fungal phytase (FP) have 4%, 26%, and 0% activity under SGF conditions after 30 minutes.

Modified Phytase E. Coli E. Coli SEQ ID Fungal Minutes Phytase Phytase NO: 3 Phytase 0 100% 100% 100% 100% 1  66%  90% 113%  36% 2.5  37%  80% 100%  12% 5  28%  71% 109%  4% 10  11%  49% 102%  3% 15  4%  41%  96%  0% 20  4%  29% 100%  0% 30  4%  26% 112%  0%

Example 7: Phytase Activity in Low Phytate Concentrations

E. coli phytase (ECP), modified E. coli phytase (ModECP), Fungal phytase (FP), and a phytase of the invention (SEQ ID NO.:3) were tested for activity at various concentrations of phytic acid from 0.0 mM to 5.1 mM (industry standard) and the results are shown in FIG. 9. Activity was measured using a modified AOAC (kinetic) assay, 0.2-5.1 mM phytic acid, pH 5.5. Soluble phytate concentrations depend upon multiple factors such as concentration of phytate in feed, feed hydration, pH of digesta, phytin-mineral complexes. The phytase of this invention is more active than ECP, ModECP, and FP across various concentrations of phytic acid.

Example 8: Phytase Melting Temperature

The melting temperature of several phytases was measured using Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC), which allows for a controlled evaluation of the melting temperature, T_(m), of a protein (FIG. 10). The point where ½ of the protein has unfolded is the melting temperature of the protein. The results show that a phytase of the invention (SEQ ID NO.: 3) has superior intrinsic thermostability when compared E. coli phytase (ECP); a modified E. coli phytase ModECP, and a Fungal Phytase (FP).

Example 9: Phytase Activation

Phytases were tested to determine the amount of time it takes to reach greater than 90% activity using a phytase activity assay, a modified AOAC (kinetic) assay using 4 mM phytic acid, pH 5.5. The results shown in FIG. 11 show that a phytase of the invention (SEQ ID NO.: 3) has more than 90% activity after 2.5 minutes. On the other hand, the fungal phytase does not have greater than 90% activity until 17.5 minutes.

Example 10: Phytase Hydrolyzes Anti-Nutritive Phytase (IP6 and IP5)

Phytase activity is complex and results in different hydrolysis products which can be quantified by HPLC. A combination of analytical tools, such as ICP and HPLC, can provide a better understanding of the phytase reaction in the true application.

ICP: Inductively Coupled Plasma

HPLC: High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Digesta samples were collected from broilers at 43 days

Samples were collected from crop, gizzard, jejunum, and ilium

Samples were frozen at −20° C. and then lyophilized to properly preserve material

The results of FIG. 12 show that a phytase of the invention (SEQ ID NO.:3) more effectively hydrolyzes anti-nutritive phytate (IP6 and IP5) at a dosage of 250 U/Kg; 500 U/Kg; and 2000 U/Kg, when compared to a fungal phytase (FP), an E. coli phytase (ECP), and a modified E. coli phytase (ModECP). Moreover, the results of FIG. 13, show that a phytase of the invention more effectively hydrolyzes phytate (IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, and IP6) and associated inositol phosphoester in digesta more effectively than an E. coli phytase (ECP); modified E. coli phytase (ModECP); or Fungal phytase (FP).

Example 11: Animal Studies

Animal studies were run to determine the efficacy of a phytase of the invention (SEQ ID NO.:3) at different doses in order to develop a replacement nutrient value and compared with other phytases.

-   -   Diets:         -   Corn soybean meal diets         -   deficient in phosphorous with suboptimal inorganic             phosphorus         -   Commercial diets following nutrient specification by             Agristats.         -   Pellet temperature 85 C     -   Enzyme doses:         -   250, 500, and 2000 FTU/kg.         -   Phytases compared at the same concentration     -   Measurements:         -   Performance, tibia ash, and ileum nutrient digestibility     -   Phosphorous titration:         -   Develop phosphorus dose response with non phytate             phosphorous         -   Fit best standard curve (i. e. linear, quadratic)         -   Responsive variables (gain, feed conversion, tibia ash)         -   Develop P equivalence value for enzyme

Phytase aPhos, % (SEQ ID NO.: 3) Age of Other phytases Study (Phytate-P) FTU/kg diet birds 500 FTU/kg Measurements 1 .23, .35, and .45 250, 500 42 d Fungal Phytase Gain, FCR, (.26, .25, .24) E. coli phytase nutrient dig Modified phytase 2 .23, .28, .33, .38, 250, 500 19 d Modified phytase 2 Gain, FCR, and.45 (.26) Bone ash, nutrient dig 3 .23, .35, and .45 250, 500, 21 d Fungal phytase E. Gain, FCR, (.26, .25) 2000 coli phytase; Bone ash, modified phytase nutrient dig 4 .23 and .45 0, 100, 250, 20 d Gain, FCR, (.26) 500, 750, Bone ash, IP6 1000, 2000, 5000 Study 1: Floor Pen Phosphorous Titration Study with Dose Response Using Phytase (SEQ ID NO.:3) and Other Phytases

Treatment Description for starter T1 −ve control at 0.23% npp T2 +ve control at 0.35% npp T3 +ve control at 0.45% npp T4 T1 + 250 U/kg diet of phytase SEQ ID NO: 3 T5 T1 + 500 U/kg diet of phytase SEQ ID NO: 3 T7 T1 + 500 U/kg diet Fungal phytase T8 T1 + 500 U/kg diet E. coli phytase T9 T1 + 500 U/kg diet Modified E. coli phytase Note 1: Both +ve and −ve control diets were adjusted for both Ca and npp (non-phytate phosphorus) to meet the needs of birds depending on phase (starter/grower/finisher). Note 2: Agristat 2012 values for T3: Starter-0.45% npp, 0.93% Ca; Grower-0.41% npp, 0.84% Ca; Finisher 0.38% npp, 0.77% Ca. 20 birds per pen and 8 pens per treatment; Corn-SBM based diet with conditioning temp of 85 C Results of Phosphorous (P) equivalency values (relative values)

Modified SEQ ID Fungal E. coli E. coli NO: 3 Phytase Phytase phytase Weight Gain (days) D 14 0.11a (100) 0.04b (36) 0.04b (36) 0.05b (45) D 28 0.13a (100) 0.04c (31) 0.04c (31) 0.08b (62) D 42 0.11a (100) 0.05b (45) 0.05b (45) 0.11a (100) Feed Conversion (FCR) D 14 0.06a (100) 0.03b (50) 0.04b (67) −0.11c D 28 0.18a (100) 0.08b (44) 0.15ab (83) 0.13ab (72) D 42 0.18 (100) 0.11 (61) 0.13 (72) 0.16 (89) Phosphorous equivalence value of the enzymes increased with age Phosphorous equivalence value varied with performance variable: Feed Conversion had higher P value as reflection of the linear response Gain had lower P value as a reflection of its quadratic response The phytase of this invention (SEQ ID NO.: 3) had a higher P equivalence value when compared to other phytases. Study 3: Titration with Larger Dose Response Battery Trial

Treatment Description for starter T1 −ve control at 0.23% npp T2 +ve control at 0.35% npp T3 +ve control at 0.45% npp T4 T1 + 250 U/kg diet of phytase (SEQ ID NO.: 3) T5 T1 + 500 U/kg diet of phytase (SEQ IDNO.: 3) T6 T1 + 2000 U/kg diet of phytase (SEQ IDNO.: 3) T7 T1 + 500 U/kg diet E. coli phytase T8 T1 + 500 U/kg diet Modified E. coli phytase T9 T1 + 500 U/kg diet Fungal phytase Note 1: Both +ve and −ve control diets were adjusted for both Ca and npp (non-phytate phosphorus) to meet the needs of birds depending on phase (starter/grower). Note 2: Agristat 2012 values for T3: Starter-0.45% npp, 0.93% Ca; Grower-0.41% npp, 0.84% Ca.

Pelleted/Crumbled at 85 C. 12 Pens Per Treatment and 8 Chicks Per Pen; Performance and Tibia Ash was Measured.

The results in FIG. 14, show that P equivalency value based on feed conversion ratio were better for the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 when compared to other phytases. Additionally, FIG. 15 shows that the P equivalence value based on Tibia ash was significantly greater for the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3 when compared to phytases known in the art. Likewise, FIG. 16 shows that the P equivalence values based on weight gain for the phytase of SEQ ID NO.:3, when dosed at 250 U/kg, 500 U/kg, and 2000 U/kg, were significantly greater the values obtained for the phytases known in the art when dosed at 500 U/kg.

Animal Trial Summary:

-   -   Phosphorous equivalent values obtained with the phytase SEQ ID         NO.:3 varied with age and study. When dosed at 500 FTU/kg, the         phytase SEQ ID NO.:3 produced:         -   Gain: ranged from 0.11 to 0.16% P equiv         -   FCR: ranged from 0.18 to 0.20% P equiv         -   Bone ash: ranged from 0.12 to 0.13% P equiv     -   When using 500 FTU/kg, SEQ ID NO.:3 had the best results over         gain and tibia ash within these experiments.         -   Equivalent phosphorus relative value vs.             -   Fungal phytase+36%             -   E coli phytase+38%             -   Enhanced E coli phytase+78%

Dose response studies indicate a release of phosphorus up to 0.23% at 2,000 FTU/kg in a corn soy diet, which suggests almost complete hydrolysis of phytate phosphorus.

Phosphorous equivalency value was higher for gain or FCR than tibia ash mineralization, indicating the role of phytases of the invention, e.g., SEQ ID NO.:3, beyond phosphorous release. 

1. A phytase having greater phosphorous equivalency, greater phosphorous bioavailability, or greater phosphorous hydrolysis as compared to a fungal, E. coli, or a modified E. coli phytase.
 2. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has a phosphorous equivalency in a range from 0.11 to 0.23%.
 3. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 60 to 65% more phosphorous bioavailability when compared to a fungal or E. coli phytase.
 4. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 20 to 30% more phosphorous bioavailability when compared to a modified E. coli phytase.
 5. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase hydrolyzes up to 90% of phosphorous from a feed comprising phytic acid.
 6. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 100% activity for more than 5 minutes at low pH.
 7. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has improved activity at phytic acid concentrations from 0.2 mM to 5.1 mM of phytic acid.
 8. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has a melting temperature greater than about 90 degrees C.
 9. A phytase having at least 90% activity at 2.5 minutes.
 10. A phytase that hydrolyzes anti-nutritive phytase IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, and IP6 from a range of about 91% to about 98%.
 11. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO:
 8. 12. The phytase of claim 11, wherein the phytase has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3.
 13. The phytase of claim 11, wherein the phytase has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 6. 14. The phytase of claim 11, wherein the phytase has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 8. 15. The phytase of claim 9, wherein the phytase has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO:
 8. 16. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO:
 8. 17. The phytase of claim 1, wherein the phytase has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO:
 8. 18. The phytase of claim 17, wherein the phytase has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3.
 19. The phytase of claim 17, wherein the phytase has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 6. 20. The phytase of claim 17, wherein the phytase has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 8. 